Dutchess BOCES, also known as the Board of Cooperative Educational Services, is a renowned public organization in New York State. Established in 1948, it was created to deliver shared educational programs and services to school districts effectively and efficiently. BOCES assists school districts in saving money by providing opportunities to pool resources and share costs.

By doing so, districts can offer programs and services that would otherwise be unaffordable. With a total of 721 school districts in New York State, 38 BOCES, excluding the Big Five city school districts, collaborate to provide comprehensive educational resources and assistance. BOCES services are flexible and cater to individual district needs, making it a preferred choice for districts seeking economical and customized programs.

Additionally, participating districts receive financial incentives through state aid. Boasting a governance structure similar to local districts, BOCES is governed by a Board of Education that represents component districts. Together, they make policy decisions and ensure the seamless provision of educational services